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EU-Mercosur Deal Put on Hold by European Parliament, Referred to EU Court

Published January 21, 2026, 12:35
EU-Mercosur Deal Put on Hold by European Parliament, Referred to EU Court

The European Parliament decided to refer the EU-Mercosur agreement to the EU Court of Justice, instead of ratifying it directly. The decision was taken with 334 votes in favor, 324 against, and 10 abstentions, placing another obstacle in the finalization of the agreement. The referral to the Court will delay the implementation of the agreement for at least two years. The agreement, negotiated for over two decades, covers a market of approximately 700 million citizens and includes the countries of Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Although the European Commission and the EU member states support the agreement, the approval of the European Parliament is necessary for its full effect. The vote coincided with massive demonstrations by farmers from France and other European countries outside the European Parliament, who expressed strong opposition to the agreement, fearing competition from Mercosur products. MEPs from various political groups participated in the demonstrations, stating their opposition. The European Commission has limited options. Theoretically, it could proceed with the provisional application of the Agreement, but this could create problems in its relations with the European Parliament. The final outcome of the agreement remains uncertain, as the EU Court of Justice may request amendments to the text.

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